A review by mollyreadsandcrafts
A Friend in the Fire by Gregory Ashe, C.S. Poe

3.75

Rufus is struggling with his mental health and after the blow up in the last book, he's is trying to get better. This includes finding justice for his mom who was killed years ago and case remains unsolved. When things start getting dicey he calls Sam, who comes running from the other side of the country (from a corrupt, murderous small city we all know and love) to help. 

This book focused a lot on Rufus which I liked, because I'm a big Rufus fan. He's so sincere and kind while also being kind of a brat, but in an endearing way. Rufus has had a rough life and has made the most of it, yet he's always thinking about Sam's comfort and needs even when things are tough. Sam is still just okay to me. He's still gruff and grumpy, but has a soft side only for Rufus. It's obvious how much he cares about Rufus, and he believes and supports him unconditionally while Rufus faces some hard truths from his past. I just think their relationship development is lacking a bit of oomph. Their first kiss caught me off guard in the last book, and their feelings confessions caught me off guard again in this one. I'm not really sold on the romance, but I also can just accept it and move on.

The mystery/crime plot really carried this one for me. Serial killer on the hunt again, decades old murders, personal stakes and near misses, it kept me on my toes. It's a fast paced, easy read that keeps things interesting. I wish we got a little more depth with their relationship to make everything that much better. Since this story was mostly Rufus focused, I've got a feeling the next will shed some light on Sam's mysterious background and hopefully he'll grow on me a little more. 

Read if you like: 

• romantic suspense         

• opposites attract       

• hurt/comfort             

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